Ford adds new SYNC services to its TDI app

Although it has yet to come up with an application that lets you acquire winning lottery tickets on a weekly basis, Ford continues expanding the capabilities of its SYNC system, specifically for vehicles equipped with the cloud-based Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI) app. Already offering voice-access to a host of real-time traffic/routing, news/weather/sports and business search info, TDI has been tweaked to offer stock quotes, movie listings, access to airlines, car rentals and hotels, even your daily horoscope. Available immediately to owners of 2010-2011 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone, these new services are provided by Microsoft's Tellme, one of several key partners in Ford's cloud-based Service Delivery Network. Each of the enhanced TDI functions can be customized by individual users through their syncmyride.com accounts and are free for the first three years.

"SYNC is helping us move at a faster pace and deliver the level of connectivity and access that consumers want," said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Organization. "Now, by leveraging the cloud, we continue to give our customers access to more and more services without having to touch the vehicle or inconvenience the owner with more subscription fees. Current TDI users will hear a special announcement through SYNC the first time they call in, announcing stocks, movies, horoscopes and travel, and informing them that they now have more choices."